Who are we?
‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. ‘
Juliet might have convinced Romeo that a name is irrelevant, but we disagree.
We wanted a name that would that portray our group’s philosophy. Here, we believe if something is only hard work, it requires a rethink, because then something is wrong. At Wela Kapela Productions we do not work – we play.
In December 2018 our nameless company collaborated with the East London Guild Theatre to produce the pantomime A Lad and a Lamp, written by Janice Honeyman. In her brilliantly crafted script we stumbled upon the cheeky children’s ditty “Wela Kapela kerick sticks stella!” and we knew it was perfect.
Wela Kapela Productions – fun, frivolous, provocative, daring and, perhaps, even a little boastful.
Wela Kapela has a spirit of collective inquiry, of collaborative curiosity and it is just that which gives our work a unique flavor and energy.
We are constantly percolating new collaborators, so too the work is in a constant state of evolution from the performer-led cabarets to more ambitious collaborations Jackal and Wolf and A Once on this Island that push the boundaries of both audience and performer.
We aim to spin magical stories that will intrigue young and old, and awaken their curiosity to explore more theatre experiences.
The Players
Because theatre makers should not work – we play!
AMANDA BOTHMA
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronz Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
About Amanda
Amanda Bothma work has entertained East London audiences at the since her first break- through production of Bobaas in die Boendoe at the Guild Theatre in 1990 . Amanda Bothma received her Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Acting from the University of the Free State. In fall 2017 she enrolled at The Eugene O’Niell Theatre institute in Connecticut then in n 2021 she trained in the Chekov method under Mara Laduvic co-founder of the Michael Chekov Actors Studio Boston. Since then critically acclaimed work continued to follow, earning her a list of award winning productions including: A Star is Born – the rise and fall of Judy Garland, NEXT!!!, Damsel in Distress, The Story of Eva Cassidy and Vincent -his quest to love and be loved
Awards
- Once On This Island – Best Direction Of A Musical (Professional) – The Baxter Theatre
- Once On This Island – Best Musical (Professional) – The Baxter Theatre
- Once On This Island – Best Ensemble Performance (Professional) – The Baxter Theatre
- Jackal & Wolf – Best Theatre For Young Audiences Production (Professional) – The Guild Theatre
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronze Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Best Costume Design Of A Play Or Musical (Professional) – The Guild Theatre
NATHAN JOHANNISEN
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronz Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
About Nathan
Nathan graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Stellenbosch University. His main instrument is piano, under the tutelage of Mr. Luis Magalhães, He also specialised in Music Education and is currently employed full-time at Merrifield Preparatory School and College in East London. Nathan was the musical director on several Wela Kapela production including Cinderella, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Once on this Island.
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Fringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- Once On This Island – Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance (Professional) – The Baxter Theatre
DANIEL ANDERSON
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronz Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
About Daniel
Daniel hold a BA degree in Film Production and an ATCL in Musical Theatre with the Trinity College of London. His first and true love, however, will always be the theatre as he finds no greater joy than shared moments on a stage. Daniel has appeared as Aladdin in A Lad ‘n A Lamp, Prince Topher in Cinderella and Daniel Beauxhomme in Once on This Island. Daniel is an award-winning cabaret artist.
Awards
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronze Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Mad About The Boys – Best Cabaret/Concert/Solo Performance (Professional) – The Drama Factory
GERMAINE GAMIET
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronz Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
About Germaine
Germaine Gamiet trained at the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, where he completed his music performance degree under the guidance of Franklin Larey and Sandra Kettle. When not on stage or in rehearsal rooms on, he is a dynamic arts management professional. He currently works at Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, The Swiss Arts Council, as the programme manager for Southern Africa.
Awards
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronze Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
KERRY HILES
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronz Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
About Kerry
Kerry Hiles is an actress, singer and bass player, based in East London. She travels nationally and internationally for engagements that include solo and band performances as a vocalist and/or bass player.In 2012 Kerry starred as Evita at the Guild Theatre the since then she has performed in A Lad n A Lamp as the Geni The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella Narrator in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Erzulie: goddess of Love in Once on this Island . As a cabaret artist Kerry has earned has a hattrick of awards at the NAF
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Rise And Fall Of Judy Garland Received A Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019 As Well As On The Vfringe In 2020.
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
ALISON HILLSTEAD
Awards
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2019
- Next!!! – Silver – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- A Star Is Born – Standard Bank Ovation Award Vfringe 2020
- Damsel In Distress -Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
- The Story Of Eva Cassidy – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
- Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved – Bronz Standard Bank Ovation Award 2022
About Alison
Alison was only 11 years old when her angelic voice landed her a part in Sound of Music. She has developed into a multi-faceted performer who is comfortable both on stage and in front of the camera. Performing in America, London and South Africa, Alison has featured as the ugly Step Mother in Cinderella, Potiphar wife in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Papa Ge the demon of Death in Once on this Island. This award-winning cabaret artist is no stranger to the stage.
Awards
- Damsel In Distress – Standard Bank Ovation Award 2021
“Consider the public with tact and courtesy Coax it, charm it, interest it, stimulate it, shock it now and then if you must, make it laugh, make it cry and make it think, but above all…never, never, never bore the living hell out of it.”
– Noel Coward
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